← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Multilayer insulation (MLI) is necessary to protect various systems in space, including spacecraft, satellites, and long term storage of cryogenic fluids like liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to support space exploration. In order to shield from the harsh environment of space and harmful radiation from sun and earth, the MLI systems have to provide several attributes, including being lightweight, highly reflective, thermally insulating, mechanically robust and electrically conductive. The overall goal of this project is to achieve these attributes by developing novel MLI systems using scalable fabrication techniques. Specifically, the project involves the design and manufacture of three-dimensional hierarchical structures (3DHS) to achieve the required optical, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. The objectives include constructing these structures with high precision, using cost-effective materials, and manufacturing strategies amenable to automation and minimum human intervention.
This project aims to significantly improve the thermal insulation performance, while providing freeze-protection for electronic systems in space and insulation for cryogenic systems required for space exploration. Additionally, this project looks to control liquid-vapor phase change to improve the performance of thermal power plants and electronic cooling technologies. These improvements can have benefits to oil-water separation, seawater desalination, food processing, heat recovery, biomedical applications, optics, photonics, and energy storage.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.